Zendaya has learned a valuable lesson after a health scare on the set of Dune: Part Two. The 28-year-old actress opened up about the challenges of filming in the harsh desert conditions, where she experienced a heatstroke due to dehydration.
Filming in the remote deserts of Jordan presented many obstacles, including extreme heat and difficult logistics. Simple tasks, like visiting the restroom, became a major challenge. Zendaya revealed that the nearest bathroom was quite a hike away, and the heavy costumes she wore for the film made it even harder to stay hydrated. She explained that she didn’t want to drink too much water, fearing that she wouldn’t make it to the bathroom in time while wearing the cumbersome outfits.
In an interview with W Magazine, Zendaya recalled the uncomfortable situation: “It was very hot, and I remember thinking, ‘Oh, man, the bathrooms are so far away.’ Because we had to hike to the locations, if you have to pee, you need at least 10 minutes to get out of the costumes.” She admitted, “I was like, Damn, I don’t want to drink too much water. I had such a fear of peeing myself or shitting myself, honestly, in the suit on set.”
Unfortunately, her decision to limit her water intake led to serious consequences. She felt nauseous and unwell, eventually finding herself on the bathroom floor, where she called her mother. When her mom asked if she had been drinking enough water, Zendaya realized her mistake. She reflected, “I thought I was being smart, but you can’t do that. So, lesson learned.”
Zendaya’s experience is a reminder of the harsh realities that come with filming in extreme conditions, but also a testament to her growth and learning from these challenges. Dune: Part Two, which stars Zendaya alongside Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, continues the epic saga of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film has already garnered over 1.12 billion USD worldwide and received six Oscars.